Santa Claus chats with sisters Ameena, left, Fatima and Noralhuda Almohammed at The Maine Mall in South Portland. The sisters, who are Muslim, do not celebrate Christmas, but said they wish Santa Claus would give them presents.

Santa Claus hears requests at The Maine Mall in South Portland.

Santa Claus cradles newborn Sterling Charneski at The Maine Mall in South Portland.

Santa Claus can be found at The Maine Mall eight hours a day, seven days a week.

“You can be having the worst day in the world, but when you get in here it changes in a minute,” said Santa Claus.